How to Safely Have Sex with a Yeast Infection

“My girlfriend sometimes has yeast infections. Is it bad to have unprotected sex?”

This question was posed to the CSPH (the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health) as part of their weekly Q&A series. It is a common misunderstanding that sex causes yeast infections. The fact is that sex alone is not the culprit. However, shifting from oral or anal sex to vaginal sex without changing protective barriers (or not using barriers at all!) can initiate the spread of bacteria and cause an infection. As explained below, there are multiple reasons why a yeast infection occurs. Also, vaginas aren’t the only ones susceptible to infection. All genitals, as well as the mouth, can experience yeast infections.

Here are the must-know basics about yeast infections:

Yeast infections are incredibly common and almost every woman will experience at least one in her life time.

They are caused by a number of factors including stress, diet, menstruation, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, some medications.

While they are incredibly uncomfortable to endure, yeast infections are easy to treat.

Sex alone, including sex with multiple partners, does not cause yeast infections.

They can pass between partners during unprotected oral and penetrative sex. So it’s important to use barrier methods when one is experiencing a yeast infection.

Yeast infections, sometimes known as “thrush”, are the result of an overgrowth of the candida albicans fungus. Although Candidiasis can occur throughout the body, the infection is prone to occur in warm, moist areas, such as the mouth. In particular, vaginal yeast infections occur when yeast, which already exists within the vagina in small amounts, overgrows, resulting in an infection. Vaginal yeast infections are actually quite common, occurring in as many as 75% of vagina owners throughout their lifetime. They are also easy to treat, usually only requiring an antifungal cream, vaginal suppository, or oral medication.

You can help avoid vaginal yeast infections by practicing habits that result in a clean, healthy vagina. These habits include:

Avoiding douches, which disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina

Avoiding scented hygiene products, such as perfumed genital powders, sprays, pads, and tampons, which disrupt the vagina’s natural balance of bacteria and can result in irritation, especially in those with fragrance sensitivities

Changing tampons and pads often during one’s period, because menstrual products can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Changing tampons often also helps prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome

After using the toilet, wiping front to back in order to prevent the spread of fecal bacteria into the vagina

Avoiding underwear made of synthetic fibers, which provide poor ventilation and trap moisture

Wearing cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch, which will allow one’s genitals to “breathe”

Changing out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible, because warm, moist body parts and clothing are perfect hosts for bacteria

When switching from anal sex to vaginal sex, always using condoms and changing condoms between acts to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria into the vagina

Unless the product is glycerin-free, steer clear of using flavored condoms and lubricants in/with a vagina. Glycerin (also termed glycerol) is a sweetening agent that, when introduced to the vagina, can trigger yeast infections, especially among those who are prone to them.

Yeast Infection As an STI?

Although yeast infections are not known as sexually transmitted diseases, it is in fact possible for yeast infections to pass between partners during unprotected oral and penetrative sex; this is why yeast infections are often discussed alongside STIs in classes. Furthermore, it is important to note that any type of genitals can get yeast infections, not just vaginas. Therefore, I recommended that someone who has a yeast infection use barrier methods when engaging in sex play. These barrier methods include external condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, and even gloves, which are ideal for manual stimulation.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that sex itself is not to blame for yeast infections, nor is there a relationship between the number of sexual partners and the occurrence of yeast infections. That said, those who are prone to vaginal yeast infections may find that oral sex without a barrier method is a contributing factor.

Lastly, I want to stress the importance of using barrier methods during sexual activity. Not only are barrier methods useful while a partner has a yeast infection, but they’re also great at offering protection against STIs as well as preventing pregnancy. This protection can be especially meaningful to those whose concerns about STIs and pregnancy are distracting during sexual activity, hindering full enjoyment. Furthermore, barrier methods, along with sexual lubricants, can add variety to one’s sex life due to the vast array of textures, slickness, and flavors available. I suggest using lube not only outside the condom, but also placing a drop of lube inside the condom, which can add/heighten sensation for the penis-owner. That said, I recommend steering clear of spermicidal lubricants, which shorten the shelf-life of condoms and can result in irritation and micro-tears that increase the risk of STI transmission.

1. Make sure the condom is safe to use by checking the expiration date and pinching the middle to feel for an air bubble, which will ensure the package has not been punctured. When the condom is opened (with one’s hands, not with teeth or scissors), the condom should not be sticky or brittle. If it is, throw it out and get a new one.

2. Sit the condom on the tip of one’s finger. Do not unroll it. The condom should look like a little hat, with the brim curling outwards.

3. Put the tip of the condom in one’s mouth and hold it in place by lightly sucking on it. Use one’s tongue and the suction to keep the semen reservoir flat, as to not trap in an air bubble.

4. Place one’s pursed, closed lips against the head of the cock, and slide one’s head down. Feel free to use a hand or two to aid the process and unroll the condom fully.

The CENTER for SEXUAL PLEASURE and HEALTH (The CSPH) is designed to provide adults with a safe, physical space to learn about sexual pleasure, health, and advocacy issues. Led by highly respected founder and director, Megan Andelloux, The CSPH is a sexuality training and education organization that works to reduce sexual shame, fight misinformation, & advance the sexuality field.

About Lucky Bloke

Recognizing widespread condom myths, and aiming to empower couples to enjoy more satisfying experiences in safer sex, Lucky Bloke is committed to making it easier for anyone and everyone to find condoms they love to use. Lucky Bloke offers guidance and education on condom sizing and fit, along with a carefully curated assortment of strictly superior condoms and lube from around the world. Ten percent of our profits support urgent humanitarian causes, and organizations: such as charity:water, Scarleteen and UNICEF.

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